European Armorials in Porcelain and Earthenware from the Sixteenth Century

The earliest examples of Chinese armorial porcelains imported into Europe and their European armorial analogues in porcelain, faience and delftwares that were manufactured in simulation from the sixteenth century are reviewed. The use of the earliest Chinese and European porcelains and ceramics as diplomatic gifts and the reasons underlying their adoption for this purpose are proposed. A survey of the earliest European manufactories of porcelain and ceramics at Florence (Medici), Fulham, Rouen, St Cloud and Meissen is made, and some noted early armorial artefacts and services that have survived are highlighted. Special named armorial services in Meissen porcelain, and other armorials such as the Stepney service, Gripsholm service and the Horatia service are considered in some detail.